We in School District 17, from Franklin Square, Garden City South and W. Hempstead along with the cooperation and guidance of the Fifth Precinct POP Unit have begun this blog site for the purpose of informing our community of current events taking place and with access to links to promote community awareness, involvement and to improve our quality of life. Through every citizen's input, efforts, actions and awareness, a safer community is attainable.
All postings are screened for quality

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

It is now a felony in New York to drive drunk or under the influence of drugs with a child in the vehicle, and will require first-time driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) offenders to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles.· Under the law, first-time offenders with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more or under the influence of drugs, and with a child age 15 or under in the vehicle, will automatically have their drivers license suspended, will have to install a ignition interlock device in their car and may be charged with a Class E felony punishable up to four years in prison.· Intoxicated drivers who cause serious injury to a child may be charged with a Class C felony punishable up to 15 years in prison, and drunken drivers who cause the death of a child will be charged with a Class B felony that could bring up to 25 years in prison.· In addition to the increased sanctions, parents caught driving impaired with their children will be reported to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment.Gov. David A. Paterson signed the Child Passenger Protection Act, known as Leandra's Law in honor of 11-year-old Leandra Rosado, who was killed in a drunken driving accident in October.According to Paterson, Leandra's Law will set some of the toughest DWI penalties in the nation and will provide law enforcement officials with the tools they need to prosecute DWI offenders.New York now joins 35 other states that have child endangerment laws imposing tougher DWI sanctions against drivers who put children at risk. New York is also the 13th state to require mandatory interlock ignitions.At the signing of the Leandra’s Law, Lenny Rosado, Leandra's father, stood nearby, holding a picture of his daughter while tears streamed down his face."On that night of October 11, I lost my only child," Rosado said while choking back tears. "As a single parent, she was my heart, my soul and my best friend."On October 11, Leandra Rosado and six of her friends were packed into a car driven by Carmen Huertas, the mother of one of the girls. Huertas was taking the girls to a slumber party.Authorities later said Huertas was driving drunk and played a guessing game with the girls, asking them to "raise their hands if they thought they would make it home without crashing."While speeding up the Henry Hudson Parkway, the car flipped. Leandra Rosado was thrown from the vehicle and died from head and chest injuries. Her six friends and Huertas survived the crash.Huertas has since been charged with manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, and assault, according to the Manhattan district attorney's office.Since losing his daughter, Lenny Rosado has turned his grief into action. At the bill-signing ceremony, Rosado said that the day after Leandra died, he made the decision to fight for tougher DWI laws because he didn't want to see another parent or grandparent lose their child in such a reckless way. "From here on, those that think it's OK to drink and drive with children in the car ... will pay the price," Rosado said. "My daughter's name and Leandra's Law will save lives from here on. Her legacy will live."

Monday, December 21, 2009

All Girls and Boys 10-14 Years of Age (as of 12/31/09)are eligible to participate and will compete in the respective age divisions. All contestants on the local level are recognized for their participation in the event. However individual age winners will receive engraved plaques for their achievement and subsequently move onto district competition.

Contestants must furnish proof of written parental consent in order to participate . Entry forms will be available the day of the competition. For additional information contact Joe Camolli at (516)352-2902

Friday, December 11, 2009

Ascension Lutheran Church, 145 Franklin Avenue, Franklin Square, extends Christmas Day Dinner invitations to all those in the community who might be alone or unable to manage a festive time. Dinner with all the traditional holiday treats, will start at 11AM on December 25. Participants are asked to bring only a smile and notify the Church Office (352-1263) by December 19th.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

The Silver Alert Program has been established in order to disseminate immediate information to local media, hospitals and other organizations when a senior citizen or other individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other cognitive disorders. “There are approximately 25,347 senior citizens in Nassau County that are afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other cognitive disorders,” said County Executive Suozzi. “The Silver Alert Program, which is similar in nature to the Amber Alert System, will be very helpful in locating these ‘At Risk Individuals’ and reuniting them safely with their loved ones. I thank Legislators Wink and Jacobs for this legislation.”“Here at the Nassau County Police Department we have compiled an e-mail list that contains the addresses of media personnel, various law enforcement agencies, business organizations and more,” said Commissioner Mulvey. “If an ‘At Risk Individual’ is deemed missing we will send out a Silver Alert notification immediately to our Silver Alert e-mail list, and will include the missing persons name, age, physical description, the last location the person was seen and a description of any motor vehicle the missing individual may have been driving.” If available, a photo of the missing person. (If a photo is not available at the time of the alert, one will be sent when it is received)

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The Franklin Square Public Library is participating in "Operation Paperback" service project which sends paperback books to our troops deployed overseas. Please donate your new or gently used paperbacks in the white basket across from the circulation desk and say thanks to our troops!As of October 2009 we have shipped over 850 books (totaling 510 lbs)to our troops overseas. Keep those donations coming!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

I wonder if you can help me.I am the mother of two teenagers in Franklin Square.I've known that teenagers can buy beer at the store near my house.Recently one of the teenagers told me that the owner charges the kids double the normal price of the beer, because he knows they are underage.

Is this something your department can follow up on?I look forward to hearing from you.CGThanks!

Dear CG,

Every month the 5th Precinct Pop Unit goes out into the Community and visits stores who sell alcohol. This program named "Project 21" monitors the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors. On November 20, numerous arrests were made within the confines of the 5th Precinct.

Please contact the Pop Unit at 573-6570 or ncpd5thpopsd17@gmail.com if you have any leads, information or concerns.

During the holiday season, police are advising residents to take precautionary measures to protect their homes and vehicles. The busy holiday season and early nightfall are some factors which elevate the number of property crimes. Dark homes and overgrown shrubbery are an invitation to a potential thief.

People can minimize potential criminal activity (burglaries and larcenies from vehicles) by recognizing suspicious activity in their community and reporting such behavior to the police by dialing 911.

Consider the following activities as suspicious:· A person or vehicle that stays in the same place for an unusual length of time· A parked car with the engine running· A person looking into cars or houses· A person carrying unusual objects during the day or night· Vehicles that drive around your block frequently slowing down or speeding up· A vehicle without lights on when arriving or leaving at night· Unfamiliar vehicles such as those with out of state plates or tinted windows· Persons going door to door. If they knock for a prolonged time or go to the rear or side door· Persons walking through your backyard

Precautions:· Even if you park in your driveway or in front of your own home, lock your vehicle. Put all packages in the trunk out of view. Do not leave the GPS, I-pods, cell phone, cd case, wallet, pocketbook or cash/change in clear view.· Make certain that your home is locked and secured. Make sure your security system is activated. Consider using light timers. Alert neighbors if you plan on going away for an extended period to remove mail or newspapers/flyers. Have someone park in your driveway to make it look someone is at home.

Above all people should rely on their intuition when they suspect unusual behavior or activity. Call 911 whenever you observe suspicious activity and provide as much information as possible.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick outa thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to asoldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.

We hope all our readers could get everyone they know to send one!!! It is FREE and it only takes a second.

Friday, November 13, 2009

The Nassau County Police Department is advising residents that individuals are perpetrating a series of burglaries and scams throughout Nassau County. In two recent cases, individuals may have posed as Nassau County employees.The "modus operendi" of these criminals is to portray a surveyor or acontractor, approach the homeowners, at their residences and engage them in distracting conversation. The subject diverts the homeowners into their rear yards providing a means for an accomplice(s) to surreptitiously enter the home and commit aburglary.There are several things residents can do to protect themselves from being victimized by these individuals:1. Make sure your doors and windows are locked even when you are at home.2. Set your home burglar alarm system every time you leave your house even if it's for a short period of time.3. Lock valuables in a safe and don't leave cash and jewelry in a conspicuous place such as the bedrooms, kitchen, or counter.4. Ask for proper identification of individuals before you allow them onto your property or into your home, especially if you are not expecting anyone. Any Nassau County employee will have photo identification5. If you are unsure of a persons credentials, ask for an office call back number.Residents should report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 911. NASSAU COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

HI,I AM RELATIVELY NEW TO GARDEN CITY SOUTH, WE MOVED HERE ON FEB.1, 2007. AT THAT TIME I NEEDED TO HAVE AN ALARM SYSTEM PUT IN AS I AM HANDICAPPED AND MAY NEED ASSISTANCE AT ANY TIME. AT THAT TIME I CALLED THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD AND ASKED IF I NEEDED A PERMIT, TO WHICH I WAS TOLD NO. JUST LAST WEEK I RECEIVED A FINE OF $75 BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE A PERMIT FOR MY ALARM SYSTEM. WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IS HOW IS SOMEONE TO KNOW WHEN THIS LAW WAS PAST THAT SAID YOU NOW NEED A PERMIT FOR YOUR ALARM SYSTEM. I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY NOTICE OF THIS INFORMATION, IF I HAD, I WOULD HAVE APPLIED FOR A PERMIT, AVOIDING A FINE OF $75.WHEN A POLICE OFFICER CAME TO MY HOUSE BECAUSE OF SPRAY PAINTING ON MY FENCE. HE TOLD ME THAT THE LAW IS ONLY ABOUT A YEAR OLD. CAN I HAVE AN ANSWER AS TO WHY I WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT THE LAW BEFORE I WAS FINED?

Nassau County Police are requested to respond to over 125,000 false alarms each year. Alarm legislation was adopted in 1991 because of concerns over police officer safety and to eliminate the misuse of police resources, which results in a cost of millions of dollars annually.Alarm legislation mandates alarm permits are required for all alarm systems. The Police Department shall issue an alarm permit to an applicant upon receipt of a completed permit application form and a non-refundable permit fee of:

It shall be the responsibility of the alarm system installer at the time of the installation or activation to submit an alarm permit application form along with the required fees to the Police Department on behalf of and at the expense of the user, unless installer has confirmed that the user already holds a permit. It shall be the responsibility of the alarm company that monitors the alarm system to ensure, prior to commencing any such service contract that there is a current alarm permit. Upon request by the alarm installation and/ or monitoring company the Nassau County Police Department shall provide them with a valid permit number.

Permit holders are to immediately notify their alarm company of their permit number when they are received by the Police Department. Alarm companies must use this number when dispatching for an alarm.

Permits are to be renewed every three (3) years from date of issuance. The holder of the permit or the person in control of an alarm system shall be subject to suspension and/or revocation and/or will have the location placed into a No Police Response Mode if false alarms to that location exceed five (5) in a 90 day period. For further information regarding alarm permits or false alarm reduction, please contact the Alarm Permit Section at 516 573-7298 or 516 573-7862.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Cyberbullying is: Using technology in a hostile way that is intended to harm others.Bullying has spread from the playground to the Internet. With one click of button it reaches into a mass audience further and faster then ever. Although some may think cyber bullying is fun and entertaining, what they might not know is that is traceable and in some cases a crime.

Types of online bullying behaviors: Flaming Angry rude argumentsHarrassment Repeatedly sending offensive messagesDenigration Dissing someone online by spreading rumors or posting false infoOuting and Trickery Disseminating intimate private information that is then sent to others who were never meant to read itImpersonation pretending to be someone else and posting material to damage that person’s reputationExclusion Intentional exclusion from an online group by blocking them.Cyberstalking: creating fear by sending offensive messages and other harmful online activitiesCell phones have been used to take pictures at school and then pictures posted on line

Kids might not tell you they’re being bullied because of fear of revenge by the bully. Some think no one can or will help them. Others think it will make things worse. Kids might feel that they will lose privileges of using the computer.

How do you know if your child is a target?Hopefully they’ll come to you. If not, pay attention to their behavior when they are at the computer. If you notice they are often upset ask what’s going on. Also go to the internet yourself and using the google search engine type in your child’s first and last name in quotes to see if there is anything posted on a website.

· Be observant, recognize the problem when it’s happening, · Talk to your child about what you expect. Addressing this behavior will let your child know you will not condone it. Caution against joining in on bullying, it’s just as bad as starting it. · Explain we don’t say anything online we wouldn’t say to someone’s face. Email is not private, a mean remark can be easily forwarded.· Because email and instant messages don’t include facial expressions, communication can be misinterpreted.· Stress that passwords should never be shared; someone else could send emails from your child’s account. · Do not let your child respond to the bullying online. That can make it escalate. · Let your child know your there for them.· Make sure the Instant message “buddy list” is limited only to people they know and block all other incoming messages.· Save the offending messages to your hard drive. The IP provider will want live communication not just a printout. · Limit time spent online.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

I used to walk them to the bus stop every morning. On the first day of school I would take a picture of all the children standing there waiting for the bus to come. We always enjoyed comparing this year’s pictures with those from the years before. We could see how friendships may have shifted, how their sense of style was changing by the clothes they chose to wear, even how their interests were beginning to take shape by the musical instruments they toted along with them or by the sports equipment they carried. I’m sure the picture would look very different if I were snapping a picture of my daughters at the bus stop today. I would probably be snapping the pictures from my cell phone, downloading it to my computer, posting it on my Facebook page then sending it off in an email to my family and non-Facebook friends. And, I would probably get it all done before my daughters had even arrived at the front door of their school. Technology has changed everything, especially for our kids, not only in the way we communicate, but in the ways we work, play, and conduct our relationships.

One of the “jobs” of a child is to figure out exactly who she is and where she fits in the world. School is a wonderful place to do that. For a few hours a day, we separate from our parents and move into a world where we get to try things out for ourselves. Friendships help us to navigate the school day. Our friends provide us with clues to our identity. Our friends help us to feel connected, which is a universal need. Our earliest ancestors depended upon the group for their survival. Kids today are no different. They still need the security and protection of a group of friends to help them figure out who they are. What’s different today is the impact of technology on our kids and on their relationships.

Girls need our help to understand the intricacies of friendship, including what that means as a member of the “always on” generation. Parents need a better understanding of how they can help their child to have positive healthy relationships as their child grows. Girl Scouts of Nassau County is here to provide safety and guidance as girls navigate this “brave new world.”

For more information about healthy relationships or to bring a speaker to your parent group, please contact Carole Aksak at 516.741.2550 ext. 254.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

The new school year has opened and here are just a few tips regarding the ongoing problem we have seen regarding the theft and robberies of I- Pods and cell phones. This crime has been on the rise and is becoming a growing concern. Here are a few safety tips in safeguarding your property and more importantly yourself:· When walking try not to have your earphones in. This is a hazard walking across the street since car horns and sirens cannot be heard. This is also an obvious sign that you are in possession of an electronic device. This makes you more vulnerable as a target since you cannot hear someone approaching.· While talking or texting on your cell phone in public, try to keep conversations short, for this again shows you’re in possession of one and again makes you vulnerable as a target to anyone approaching. Most cell phones are priced well over 100 dollars and can easily be converted for someone else’s use making them untraceable. · Most of these crimes are done by large groups and not one on one. So be aware of large groups. Put your I Pod or cell phone away when being approached or walking by large groups because you are advertising.· If you are a victim please notify 911, state your location and pertinent information i.e. race, age, what they were wearing, their direction of travel, type of phone stolen.· If physical force is used this is considered a robbery which is a felony. Please do not put yourself in a bad position, be alert, be vigilante and try to get whatever description you can.

If you would like a representative from the 5th Precinct Police Department to speak to your group or organization please call us at 573- 6570 and any POP officer would be able to assist you.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

1. Install and maintain the timers on lights2. Make sure all exterior lights are functioning properly3. No mail or flyers left out4. Let a neighbor you trust know your away and where you are in case they need to contact you5 . Safeguard all jewelry and cash6 . Make sure all first floor window air conditioners are secured because this allows easy access for burglars to get into your home7. Make sure all house alarms are functioning properly8 . Make sure all windows and doors are secure9 . Trim all bushes and hedges around windows and doors because these make easy hiding spots for burglars10. Be careful of routines.

If you see anything suspicious please call 911 and not your local precinct so their response can be faster! When in doubt do not be afraid to call 911!!Speak clearly and slowly so the proper information gets out. Don’t rush the phone call because all the information is important.Try to get any information possible i.e. vehicle plate numbers, physical descriptions such as clothing, height, race, weight, gender, direction of travel, and what they might have in their possession i.e. backpack, gym bag.You are the eyes and ears of the community so please call regarding anything suspicious or unusual. This is our community so please be vigilant and again do not be afraid to call 911 for any suspicious and unusual activity.

Nassau County 5th Precinct

Nassau County Police Department

On April 16, 1925, the Nassau County Police Department began. The Department, founded with 55 reassigned Deputy Sheriffs, formed out of necessity to address the disjointed and unbalanced policing of the County’s 200,000 residents. Today, the Department has over 2,500 sworn members who serve more than 1.3 million residents. From its beginning the NCPD developed into a modern and highly respected Department now serving the Community for 86 years.

POP Unit Arrests

3/8/2012 257 W MERRICK RD VALLEY STREAM 514
Beer and Beverage Depot
18:10 -
Officers were conducting Project 21/18 targeting the sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products to minors. The defendant while working at the above business, did sell one 12 pack of Heineken beer to an under cover Police agent. The defendant was placed under arrest.
3/8/2012 1682 CENTRAL CT VALLEY STREAM 514
Betsys
18:50 -
Officers were conducting Project 21/18 targeting the sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products to minors. The defendant while working at the above business did sell 2 Black and Mild Cigars to an under cover Police agent. The defendant was placed under arrest.
3/8/2012 641 HEMPSTEAD TPKE ELMONT 505
Gas Stop
19:40 -
Officers were conducting Project 21/18 targeting the sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products to minors. The defendant while working at the above business did sell one plastic jar labeled Nugs Blueberry Potpourri to an under cover Police agent. The above listed substance is a tobacco product also known as K2 Spice and Synthetic Marihuana. The defendant was placed under arrest.
3/8/2012 385 W MERRICK RD VALLEY STREAM 513
BP Gas Station
18:30 -
3/8/2012 244 LINDEN BLVD ELMONT 509
Sunoco Gas Station
19:10 -
3/8/2012 498 HEMPSTEAD TPKE ELMONT 502
Nazarino Deli
20:15 -
2/15/2012 507A HEMPSTEAD TPKE WEST HEMPSTEAD 508

Acupuncture Oriental Bodywork 14:15 -

Vice Squad working with the POP office conducted an investigation into listed business. An undercover detective did receive an unlicensed massage from arrestee.

PROHBITED SALE ALCOHOLIC BEV

In response to community complaints, PEP /POP officers conducted a Project 21 detail targeting the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors. Listed defendants did sell alcoholic beverages to underage police agents without asking for identification. During the detail, a total of seven businesses were inspected with four arrests effected.

2/15/2012 840 ELMONT RD ELMONT 509

Mobil Gas Station 18:35

2/15/2012 237 01 LINDEN BLVD ELMONT 509

Elmont Deli Plus 19:10 –

2/15/2012 758 FRANKLIN AVE NORTH VALLEY STREAM 510

Valero Gas Station

2/15/2012 1641 HEMPSTEAD TPKE ELMONT 505

Gas Stop 20:05

1/18/2012
450 MEACHAM AVE ELMONT 505
BRC Market 17:00 -
Officer observed the defendant sell alcohol to an underage agent working for the police department. Arrestee did not ask for any form of identification showing proof of age.

1/18/2012 103 GOTHAM AVE ELMONT 501
7 to 8 Deli/Grocery 17:40 -Officer observed the defendant sell alcohol to an underage agent working for the police department. Arrestee did not ask for any form of identification showing proof of age.

POP office along with Vice Squad conducted an investigation relating to illegal massage and prostitution in West Hempstead. In addition to listed arrests, four summonses were issued by the TOH building department.

18:30 -
1202 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square
Pop office along with Vice Squad conducted an investigation relating to illegal massage and prostitution in Franklin Square. In addition , three summonses were issued by the TOH building department.

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New posts will be added weekly. If you would like to receive update notifications via email please send us your email address at NCPD5THPOPSD17@gmail.com Please include your School District Number 17

Local People

Father Charles Mangano formerly of St Catherine of Siennaand his sister Laurie Mangano have created a web page,http://www.frcharleslaurie.com/. Father Charles who is now Pastor in Cure of Ars Parish in Merrick, continues to create and sing music. Father Charles and Laurie continue to use their gifts and talent to lift so many.To order their CD's or DVD's call 516 437 5080 or go to their website for contact information to email Father Charles.A portion of the proceeds go to several different charities.